A truck emerges, and they follow, hoping to learn where drivers pick up what to many looks like trash but turns out to be treasure: cardboard.

"It's big, big money — for somebody," said Steve Rivera, a senior investigator with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office who has been conducting sunrise surveillance to track, educate and cite the culprits. "People don't recognize the fact that it's actually theft."

The crackdown in gritty, industrial suburbs east of Los Angeles aims to put a stop to a long-running practice that surges with cardboard prices and wallops trash company revenue — and could eventually push up trash collection rates for homeowners and shopkeepers.

New York City has battled cardboard theft for years. Local authorities elsewhere have cited those who swipe recyclables from waste hauler-provided bins, but the efforts haven't curtailed the theft of cardboard, which can net anywhere from $100 to $200 a ton.

When the economy booms, cardboard prices rise as manufacturers make more goods and need more packaging to sell them. Thieves are more brazen, and steal much more, when cardboard prices peak.

Waste haulers count on selling the recyclables they retrieve at the curb to offset the cost of collection, industry experts said.

"Our industry loses millions of dollars a year due to cardboard," said David Biderman, general counsel for the National Waste & Recycling Association. "One piece of cardboard by itself isn't valuable. But customers often generate substantial volumes of it."

The price of cardboard currently hovers around $100 a ton — much higher than during the 2008 recession but down from last year due to weaker demand from China, which is the largest export market for U.S. cardboard, Biderman said.

Under most state and local laws, people can collect cardboard left outside by a business or doled out by a shopkeeper for recycling. But they can't remove materials from recycling bins left out at the curb, which are considered property of the local waste hauling company, said Ronald Steiner, a professor at Chapman University law school in Orange County, who teaches case law related to privacy rights and garbage.

In San Bernardino County, officials are citing offenders with misdemeanor petty theft. So far, two citations have been issued, Rivera said.

In Huntington Beach, about half to three-quarters of the cardboard placed in commercial bins is stolen before drivers can retrieve it, said Sue Gordon, vice president of public affairs at Rainbow Environmental Services.

"They know our routes and they get there before we do, and they pop the lock and they pull it out," Gordon said.

In San Bernardino County, at least one hauler is considering raising rates to offset the lost revenue.

Burrtec Waste Industries, which is working with county investigators, has seen the problem grow since a California law required many businesses to recycle, which has meant more trips for trash trucks but also more thieves, said Michael Arreguin, the company's vice president.

"We can't absorb it completely as a company," Arreguin said. "If it continues, the return value of the material has to go down, and therefore it increases the cost of that recycling container."

Cardboard theft also makes it harder to determine whether the state is meeting mandated recycling goals, he said.

Neighbors often complain about residential scavenging, fearing those rummaging through their trash bins might find information that could make them susceptible to identity theft. Others are more sympathetic to homeless scavengers seeking bottles and cans to make a meager living.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit (CAU) assisted in the successful reunification of three young children with their father Jan. 30, after their non-custodial, biological mother removed them from their home and fled California.

According to Senior Investigator Karen Cragg, who is assigned to the case, Cari Ann Gleason withheld the three children from their biological father, 57-year-old Augustus Scott, of Victorville, without his consent, since Nov. 2014. After a lengthy investigation, the children were located in the State of Florida.

On Jan. 30, 2015, investigators from the Child Abduction Unit traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida, where by prearrangement, 33-year-old Gleason voluntarily placed the children with the investigators for return to Scott in California. Upon their return to San Bernardino County the next day, the children were immediately reunited with their father.

“No matter how many times we do this, it’s always gratifying to reunite a child, or, as in this case, children, with their legal parent or guardian and ensure that the court’s child custody orders are followed,” Cragg said.

The work of the CAU focuses on protecting the custody rights of parents and legal guardians. On a routine basis, the CAU partners with courts and law enforcement throughout the United States to recover abducted children who are carried across state lines. In cases of international child abduction, the CAU implements the terms of the Hague Convention, an international treaty signed by more than 60 countries.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

VICTORVILLE — A 24-year-old Apple Valley woman convicted of killing her
boyfriend’s 2-year-old daughter by forcing her to ingest chili powder was
sentenced Monday to 15 years to life in prison.

Amanda Sorensen appeared in a Victorville courtroom, wrists shackled at the
waist and wearing a San Bernardino County jail-issued green jumpsuit,
indicating that she was in protective custody.

Sorensen was convicted Nov. 3 of second-degree murder in the death of toddler
Joileen Garcia, who suffered a seizure after being force-fed chili powder as a
disciplinary measure for lying about defecating in her pants, according to a
San Bernardino County Probation Department officer’s report.

Staring blankly ahead with her attorney by her side, Sorensen did not look at
three of Joileen’s family members as they tearfully read victim impact
statements one by one. A 10-year-old relative of Joileen’s was also among those
who submitted statements to the court.

“Just two short years ago, my daughter was tragically taken from me by a woman
who sits in this courtroom,” said Joileen’s mother, Brenda Lopez. “Joileen
brought joy and smiles to everyone in her presence.”

Friday, January 23, 2015

A Montclair man was convicted of second-degree murder Monday in the 2013 stabbing death of a 23-year-old Chino man. A San Bernardino County jury deliberated two-and-a-half days before finding 23-year-old Kyle Larrabee guilty of fatally stabbing Roberto Alejandro Hernandez during a fight.

According to Deputy District Attorney Reza Daghbandan, who prosecuted this case, the killing stemmed from a drug dispute where the victim, Roberto Hernandez, a Chino Sinner gang member, failed to deliver drugs to Larrabee after receiving $400 from him.

The next morning, they sent threatening text messages to each other, but ultimately decided to de-escalate their dispute and smoke some heroin together. Instead, a fist fight ensued and Larrabee pulled out a knife. Larrabee stabbed Hernandez several times, delivering a fatal stab to the chest which punctured the victim’s lung. Larrabee then fled. When police arrived, the critically injured Hernandez was able to tell them that “Kyle” had stabbed him over some money. He died a short time later en route to the hospital.

Police tracked Larrabee down, who claimed that Hernandez stabbed him first, showing them a wound in his arm. He later admitted that he had stabbed himself in the arm on purpose, and told his girlfriend to tell police that the victim stabbed him first. But during his interview he insisted that the victim had pulled out a blue knife first, which led to the defendant pulling out his knife. Police did find a closed, folded blue pocket knife in Hernandez’ pocket.

At trial, Larrabee testified and again stated that Hernandez threatened him with a blue knife. But the evidence showed that the blue knife was found in a closed position and that while it was covered in blood, the blade itself was dry. Sentencing is scheduled Feb. 20, 2015 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Larrabee faces 16 years to life in state prison.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and
we at the District Attorney’s Office are extremely thankful for all the men and
women across our great country that put on a badge every day and go to work—knowing
that they may face dangerous situations.

At the District Attorney’s Office we are fortunate to
have a highly-skilled Bureau of Investigation which currently consists of
fifty-two sworn peace officer investigators, including one Chief Investigator
and two Assistant Chief Investigators.

They conduct investigations of all felonies and
misdemeanors prosecuted by the District Attorney.Investigators are active members with the
FBI/San Bernardino Joint Corruption Task Force, the FBI Regional Computer
Forensic Laboratory, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the
California State Department of Insurance Task Force, the San Bernardino County
Auto Theft Task Force and the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking
Detail.

Bureau investigators are also supported by 15 Investigative
Technicians and 10 Office Assistants.

In addition to their assigned duties, our Bureau staff are
consistent organizers and participants in San Bernardino County outreach
programs such as Shop with a Cop, Tip-a-Cop, the Annual Special Olympics Torch
Run, and many more—all of which raise funds and support programs that
benefitdisabled children and local
families in need.

Today, we salute not only our own officers, but every
officer across the nation. May all of you make it home safely tonight.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Pictured left to right: Justin Gomez (9 years, 8 months in State Prison), Jorge Espinoza (13 years in State Prison), Richard Avalos (17 years in State Prison), Lisa Archuleta (48 days in County Jail), and Fred Archuleta (25 years to life in State Prison)

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – After nearly five years and two indictments against 73 members of the Victorville-based East Side Victoria street gang, the largest gang case in San Bernardino County history is officially closed.

Cherish Velez, 25, of Apple Valley, was sentenced yesterday in Victorville Superior Court to 16 years in state prison on six counts involving conspiracy to sell methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, and assault with a firearm.

“For decades, this local criminal street gang has wreaked havoc in our High Desert region,” District Attorney Mike Ramos said. “Thanks to the hard work of the Victorville Police Department, Supervising Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes and all of our support staff, we have sent 61 gang members and their associates to state prison for a total of 485 years.”

Pictured left to right: Valerie Archuleta (3 years in State Prison), Anthony Carmona (12 years, 4 months in State Prison), Jairo Garrido (4 years in State Prison), Michelle Gonzalez (9 years in State Prison), and Mary Hald (4 years in State Prison)

Eastside Victoria (ESV) is a Southern Hispanic criminal street gang located primarily in Victorville. The gang was founded in the late 1960s early 1970s by several individuals including 50-year-old Fred Archuleta, of Victorville—the reputed head of ESV.

Prior to the indictments, membership in the gang fluctuated between 50 and 100 active members and dozens of associates.

According to Imes, for the past three decades members and associates of the gang have committed the crimes of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, assault with a firearm, sale of methamphetamine, auto theft, extortion, robbery, and burglary.

“Many members are also directly associated with the Mexican Mafia,” Imes added.

Pictured left to right: Victor Hernandez (3 years in State Prison), George Lara (4 years in State Prison), Patricia Mancillas (2 years in State Prison) and Robert Mancillas (20 years, 4 months in State Prison)

In June 2007, investigators from the Victorville Police Department Gang Unit commenced an eight-month long investigation of Archuleta. Investigators discovered evidence of an ongoing conspiracy to sell methamphetamine between Archuleta, Robert Mancillas, Raymond Mancillas and dozens of other members and associates of ESV.

The investigation also established attempts to buy, transport and sell methamphetamine, as well as illegal possession and transfer of firearms.

At the conclusion of the first investigation, a special criminal Grand Jury indicted 36 members and associates of ESV for Conspiracy to Sell Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Transfer Firearms; Active Participation in a Criminal Street Gang; Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felons; Possession for Sale of Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Commit Robbery; Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Firearm; and Auto Theft.

At the conclusion of the investigation of Archuleta and the Mancillas Brothers investigators learned that George “Rascal” Degraw was soon to be released from state prison.

“It was well known among members and associates of the gang that Degraw was given the ‘keys’ to the desert,” said Imes. “In other words, his job was to operate all Sureño gang activity on behalf of the Mexican Mafia."

Pictured left to right: Raquel Mesa (4 years in State Prison), Arthur Murrietta (1 year, 4 months in State Prison), Luis Negrete (3 years in State Prison), and Sandra Perez (5 years in State Prison)

Degraw had already sent instructions to gang members to assemble firearms and inform drug dealers of the need to pay taxes, added Imes.

At the end of the Archuleta/Mancillas investigation, law enforcement began laying the groundwork for continuing the investigation when Degraw took over the gang.

In June 2008 investigators from the Victorville Police Department Gang Unit commenced a seven-month long investigation of George Degraw, the reputed new head of ESV, Andrew Camarena, Christopher Alvarado and Joel Pompa.

Pictured left to right: Joel Pompa (41 years, 8 months in State Prison), Kimberly Stockton (29 days in County Jail), Melissa Tyler (3 years in State Prison), Jose Villagrana (6 years in State Prison), Alicia Villegas (1 year in County Jail), and Cherish Velez (16 years in State Prison)

During the course of the investigation, investigators uncovered extensive “taxation” of drug dealers, the transportation and sale of a large quantity of methamphetamine, and the commission of violent crimes (robbery, carjacking, assault with a firearm and extortion).

“Investigators even learned that one person was lured to a motel room and assaulted with a firearm for a dope deal gone bad,” said Imes.

Investigators also uncovered a methamphetamine lab being operated on behalf of the gang as well as dozens of firearms from gang members and associates.

Pictured left to right: Richard Torres (4 years in State Prison), Tracy Smith (7 years in State Prison), Michael Perez (8 years in State Prison), Eileen Orosco (4 years in State Prison), and Paula Navarrete (180 days in County Jail)

“It was during this part of the investigation that investigators were also able to establish the gang’s direct connection to the Mexican Mafia through the payment of ‘taxes’ extorted from local drug dealers,” said Imes.

Following the second investigation, a special criminal Grand Jury indicted an additional 37 members and associates of ESV, including one charged in the first investigation, for Conspiracy to Sell Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Transfer Firearms; Conspiracy to Commit Extortion; Active Participation in a Criminal Street Gang; Possession of Firearms by Convicted Felons; Possession for Sale of Methamphetamine; Transportation of Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Commit Burglary; Assault with a Firearm; Manufacturing Methamphetamine; Possession for Sale of Marijuana; Carjacking; and Robbery.

“Ultimately, these investigations significantly damaged the criminal operations of East Side Victoria,” said Imes. “In addition to the existing gang injunction, these investigations helped take a part of the criminal element out of Victorville. By putting so many gang members and associates out of business for such a long time, it severely disrupts the criminal enterprise while having a positive impact on the community and the lives of the law-abiding citizens of Victorville.”

Pictured left to right: Matthew Lara (7 years in State Prison), James Hoffman (15 years in State Prison), Denise Hernandez (1 year in County Jail), and Stephanie Gutierrez (6 years in State Prison)

Pictured left to right: Marcus Moreno (8 years in State Prison), German Mercado (3 years in State Prison), Vanessa Mancillas (3 years in State Prison), and Raymond Mancillas (9 years, 6 months in State Prison)

Monday, January 5, 2015

The Clerk of the Board administers the Oath of Office to District Attorney Mike Ramos

District Attorney Mike Ramos took the Oath of Office for the fourth time Monday morning as he was sworn in as District Attorney of San Bernardino County for a fourth term.

"I am honored to once again serve the citizens of this great County, to represent them and seek justice on their behalf," DA Ramos said. "For me, justice is holding the guilty accountable and protecting the innocent while keeping victims and their families as my guide. Just as I have all along, I intend to hold myself to that every day."

VICTORVILLE — A 35-year-old Hesperia man was found guilty Thursday of first-degree murder in a reported scuffle-turned-deadly over an alleged construction debt.

Moses Echavarria was convicted of shooting to death Andrew Battaglia, 29, (pictured left) in December 2011.

Jurors deliberated for three days before returning guilty verdicts on charges of murder and assault with a firearm, court records show.

Echavarria is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 30.

The verdict signals the end to criminal proceedings that began three years ago, and had resulted in a hung jury this summer.

On June 19, a jury announced they were deadlocked on a verdict amid questions about the definition of “imminent danger.” A re-trial began the following month.

Jurors this time were initially undecided whether the murder was premeditated or not, one of the jurors told the Daily Press on Thursday. The juror spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

According to authorities, Battaglia and three others arrived in December 2011 at Echavarria’s home in Hesperia to settle the debt owed to a Battaglia companion. A scuffle broke out soon after they arrived; a 58-year-old victim was beaten in the face and Battaglia was shot.

Battaglia’s brother, Thomas Battaglia, told the Daily Press in June that the 58-year-old man was owed the debt and had actually been invited to the home by Echavarria to settle it. Andrew Battaglia and two others waited in a nearby car when Echavarria began punching the 58-year-old in the face, he said.

Andrew Battaglia left the car to help, to break up the fight, and was shot while intervening, according to Thomas Battaglia.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Deputy District Attorney Eric Ferguson, who is assigned to
Appellate Services, handled a writ in the Court of Appeals in which we
successfully overturned a superior court decision ordering the early
termination of post release community supervision of Thomas Ward.

The Court of Appeal ruled Dec. 11, 2014, that the court had
misinterpreted the law and did not have the authority to release the defendant
from supervision.

The case revolved around the statutory meaning of AB 109’s
definition of the term of PRCS and whether “flash incarceration” was a
custodial sanction- it clearly is.

“Thanks to the great work of Deputy DA Ferguson and our ASU
staff, prosecutors statewide are now able to prevent PRCS violators from
obtaining early termination of supervision,” said District Attorney Mike Ramos.
“Ultimately, we can now hold them responsible for their misconduct.”

The case is a published opinion, meaning it can be used by other
prosecutors as legal authority. It is the first case interpreting these
sections of the Criminal Justice Realignment statutes.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

“After so many years of theft, the victims can now feel confident that justice
was served today,” said Deputy District Attorney Jason Liso, who prosecuted the
case. “Hopefully this sends a strong message that our public servants will be
held accountable for their actions when they decide to abuse the public trust.”

According to Senior Investigator John Vega, shortly after recording the false
grant deed with the County Recorder, the pair deceived the escrow and title
companies and sold the house to an unsuspecting buyer for over $440,000.

Osbaldo Serna, 34, of La Habra, was arraigned Wednesday on allegations that he
and the owners of a now-defunct Ontario construction company defrauded their
workers’ compensation insurance company out of more than $260,000 and stole
from their workers over $160,000 in prevailing wages.

Once the gun was pulled, Camacho and his friend ran back to their car and got inside. Co-defendant Armando Lara, Jr., 19, of Ontario, yelled, “Let them have it!” Avila fired one shot into the car, striking Camacho in the back of the head. Camacho was rushed to the hospital by his friend. Camacho was pronounced dead approximately two hours later.

On May 29, 2012, Gregorio Gonzalez Jr. and two of his friends, Gerald Jimenez and Eric Olguin, went to a makeshift memorial on Lenore stre...

DISTRICT ATTORNEY MICHAEL RAMOS

For the past twelve years District Attorney Mike Ramos has served as San Bernardino County District Attorney. During this time, he has fought corruption and made victims' rights, public safety, and anti-gang programs the cornerstone of his office.